Military construction bill could halt Pinon Canyon expansion
Source: 9News.com
September 04, 2007
DENVER - On Tuesday the United States Senate will take up a military construction bill that includes an effort to stop the Army from expanding the Pinon Canyon training site in southeastern Colorado.
Many Colorado lawmakers are hoping the Senate will pass the amendment.
The proposed bill has stirred up a lot of emotion because farmers and ranchers are afraid the Army will force them to sell their land through eminent domain in an effort to expand the training site.
The proposal before the Senate would stop the expansion by blocking its funding.
Fort Carson uses the 235,000 acre Pinon Canyon maneuver site for training purposes. The Army wants to expand the site by another 418,000 acres.
Army leaders have said the expansion would help accommodate a new brigade combat team and allow for better training for modern warfare. All this while keeping soldiers stationed at Fort Carson from having to leave the state to train elsewhere.
Much of that acreage for the expansion is on private land with farms and ranches.
Opponents of the expansion are concerned the Army's plan will hurt the area's agriculture-based economy and the environment.
The U.S. Military has said it wants to address those concerns and work with landowners who are willing to sell.
Many Colorado lawmakers are anxious to see which way Senator Ken Salazar will vote on the proposal. In the past he has expresses optimism, saying he thinks there is a way to make this expansion a win-win situation.
Senator Salazar will be a featured guest Sunday on Your Show. If you would like to submit questions for the senator send an e-mail to yourshow@9news.com.
Your Show will air in its new time slot this Sunday on My20 at 10:30 a.m.
